MOSSEL BAY NEWS - For the 21-year-old Mossel Bay athlete, Jandri Snyders, being an athlete is everything.

Training since she was a little girl, Snyders' love of and dedication to athletics stem from her parents' encouragement to join them on fun runs.

"Although back then, I often ended up running away," she says jokingly.

That encouragement led to her recent win of the 31st Momentum Optimum Meiringspoort half-marathon race, held in De Rust, where more than 3 000 athletes participated in the 12.5km and 21.1km races.

Snyders told Mossel Bay Advertiser one of her most memorable and cherished moments was winning her second 21.1km race there.

"It felt so unreal and almost impossible, but I've learnt that with faith and perseverance, nothing truly is."

To celebrate her win, her family went out for pizza later that day. "A simple but special memory," she calls it.

Snyders first began as a middle-distance runner, but over time developed a deep love of long-distance running. Currently training six days a week, every run pushes her to improve and grow stronger.

Jandri Snyders (front, left) in action during the half-marathon. Photo: Oakpics Photography

Throughout the years, running has taught Snyders more than just endurance - it has strengthened her mental health and built discipline, focus and resilience.

In between her dedication to her chosen sport, Snyders is also studying towards a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences qualification through Unisa and volunteers at Goshen E-Academy, a school in Mossel Bay. 

Her biggest challenge arises from juggling her studies, training and social life, but she has worked out a way of maintaining some balance through prayer and determination.

Snyders' days of rest are best spent in her family's company, complete with their Sunday tradition of enjoying an ice cream at The Point.

"Running isn't just a sport for me. It's a way of life, a journey of faith and a daily reminder that nothing is impossible." 

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